[Persistent left superior vena cava and rheumatic mitral valve stenosis studied with echocardiography]

A case of persistent left superior vena cava associated with rheumatic mitral stenosis in a 27 year old woman is described. Comments are made of the echocardiographic findings of a space free of echos located at a level behind the back wall of the left ventricle, at a level of the mitral valve. Echocardiographic Mode and two-dimensional technics were used in the observation of this image. Other pathologies, in which is possible to obtain similar images are also discussed, as well as the value of using echocardiographic contrast studies in the differential diagnosis.